1 . “On the very first day of 2024, I saw the snow of Kilimanjaro, not from the novel written by Ernest Hemingway, but from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro!” Xu Zhuoyuan, a 17-year-old mountaineer who’d stood on top of Mount Qomolangma last May, climbed onto the tallest peak in Africa, making herself the youngest Chinese girl that conquered it.

Xu’s passion for mountaineering was motivated by her father, who himself reached many peaks, including Mount Qomolangma. And her mountaineering journey began on a family trip to Xizang and Sichuan four years ago. For many years, Xu devoted herself to rigorous training. She went to the mountains in Yunnan and Sichuan every month, climbing peaks over 5,000 meters and doing daily physical exercises like running, swimming and rope skipping. All that hard work got her ready for the challenges she would face on Kilimanjaro.

Above 4000 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro, the climate is similar to a desert, with big temperature differences. The whole climb took 7 days, during which Xu faced unpredictable weather such as rain and strong winds. Staying warm and avoiding heat loss was the main challenge. Xu had to be very sensitive to any temperature changes and adjust her clothing accordingly. This climb was also a learning experience for Xu. She was climbing with Xia Boyu (aged 74), the first Chinese climber to summit Mount Qomolangma with an artificial leg, who’d inspired Xu a lot.

Mountaineering, Xu discovered, is not just about being strong physically; it is also a journey of self-discovery. “In climbing and life, it’s important to know when to let go of things that are weighing us down and how to re start when we feel ready,” she reflected.

1. What inspired Xu Zhuoyuan’s interest in climbing mountains?

A．A novel written by Ernest Hemingway.

B．A former trip to Mount Qomolangma.

C．Her father’s success in mountaineering.

D．Her family trip to Xizang and Sichuan.

2. What does the underlined word “rigorous” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．Flexible.

B．Strict.

C．Casual.

D．Dangerous.

3. Which is NOT true about Xu’s Kilimanjaro climbing?

A．She was accompanied by a disabled climber.

B．There was a desert 4000 meters on Mount Kilimanjaro.

C．Weather condition was unstable above Mount Kilimanjaro.

D．Clothes adjustment was needed due to temperature changes.

4. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?

A．Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—A Chinese Girl’s Bravery.

B．Conquering New Heights —A Story of Passion.

C．Mountaineering—A Journey of Self-discovery.

D．Mount Kilimanjaro —A Destination of Inspiration.

2 . Four places to explore in northern Canada

Welcome to Canada, the land of openness. Discover True North itineraries and undeniably Canadian experiences with a coast-to-coast collection of travel packages. All you need to bring is an open mind. And maybe a light jacket. If you want to get more detailed information, please click www.travelcanada.com

Nights Under Lights
From USD $4,995 per person
6 days/5 nights

Our Nights Under Lights multi-day tours will give you some of the best chances in the world to see and photograph the beautiful northern lights. Spend days adventuring with dog sledding tours, snow-walking, visiting local historic sites and museums and spend the evenings at our award-winning location for cultural presentations, aurora viewing and photography.

Subarctic Wonders: Exploring Churchill’s Northern Lights
From USD $3,795 per person
5 days /4 nights   

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the aurora and embark on an authentic northern lights adventure. Each evening, we journey to tranquil hideaways, far from the city lights, where the sky unfolds its awe-inspiring display. Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights in Churchill, expertly guided by our team, as you dig into the vibrant northern culture and witness nature’s breathtaking light show.

Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill
From USD $7,895 per person   
7 days /6 nights

Few of nature’s marvels match the intense aliveness of an Arctic summer. More than 3.000 of these adorable white whales gather at the mouth of the Churchill River, and our motorized rafts and kayaks put us at eye level with these often-curious aquatic lives. On the surrounding land, we frequently spot polar bears wandering or napping on the banks, their creamy coats contrasting with the rocky shoreline and dark forest.

Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure
From USD $7,495 per person
8 days/7 nights

When you’re standing on the outdoor platform of our Polar Rover, the chill Arctic air feels refreshing. But not as much as the sight of the huge polar bear strolling towards us. Sometimes they are shadows on the horizon, slowly moving on the vast expanse of icy land, in search of seals for meals. Join us for one of nature’s most wondrous wildlife encounters—no one does it better than Natural Habitat!

1. In which tour will you spend the most money each day?

A．Nights Under Lights.

B．Subarctic Wonders: Exploring Churchill’s Northern Lights.

C．Belugas, Bears & Summer Wildlife of Churchill.

D．Canada’s Premier Polar Bear Adventure.

2. If you go to Churchill, what activity can you join in according to the text?

A．Sled with dogs.	B．Enjoy the Northern Lights.
C．Hike on the ice.	D．Visit museums.

3. Where can you probably find this text?

A．A geographic magazine.	B．A newspaper.
C．A travel brochure.	D．A website.

3 . Insider Flight Tips for Your Journey

Anyone can book a trip, but not everyone can plan an ultimate adventure that is affordable, accommodating and fun. At www. tripinsiders. org, we aim to provide you with the best insider secrets in the travel business. And on this website, we also offer a state-of-the-art travel comparison tool to make planning easier than ever. Here are some insider tips that we'd like to share with you about flights.

Look for Glitch (小故障) Fares

Online booking systems for airfare don’t come without a pricing mistake every once in a while. Follow deal-minded travel sites and blogs to learn about pricing mistakes that work in your favor. This is the most useful if you live near a major airport and have a flexible schedule.

Consider Alternate Airports

Some major cities have more than one airport, so make sure to check them all for the cheapest fares. For example, if you’re planning to visit the Bay Area of California, check for rates in both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport.

Cross the Border by Land

Domestic flights are often cheaper than international ones, so if you live near a border and want to fly to a neighboring country, you can save by crossing the border by land and then catching a domestic flight. For example, Toronto residents may save by crossing the American border into Buffalo and then flying to another American city.

Use a Digital Luggage Scale

There’s nothing more frustrating than learning that your bag is too heavy to fly or that it’ll cost you extra when you arrive at the airport. Digital luggage scales are great for making sure that you’re not going over the baggage limit with your new souvenirs.

1. What is the main purpose of www.tripinsiders.org ?

A．To recommend travel websites.	B．To fund the travel business.
C．To advertise a travel agency.	D．To uncover travel business secrets.

2. What is advised for air travel?

A．Selecting airports.	B．Flying the border.
C．Carrying more baggage.	D．Having a fixed schedule.

3. What do the four tips have in common?

A．They cover all aspects of a trip.	B．They help travelers save money.
C．They merely apply to businessmen.	D．They are only for Toronto residents.

4 . Jilin is not a place that was ever high up on my list of places that I wanted to go to in China, but after visiting it I can confidently say it should be at the top of yours.

My first stop was the Jingyuetan National Forest Park, situated in the southeast of Changchun city. The freshness and calmness of this park was idyllic, with pockets of people out for their afternoon run or just getting some alone time. I was taken to a cable lift that took me up to one of the highest points and got to toboggan (长雪橇) down the hill side, which I had done once before beside the Great Wall of China, but this time I was in among the trees and wilderness.

The forestry in Jilin is second to none, which was evident when I visited the Changchun Zoological and Botanical Gardens, featuring multiple parades and performances, but my favorite of all was the glowing lantern sculptures decorated around and in among the greenery.   I was fortunate enough to dress up in some of the performance costumes. I have attended a performing arts academy for many years, so I was over the moon when greeted by performers in Siping.

My last day in Jilin was a day of relaxation. I started the day by rafting down a local river, where butterflies adorned the trees like Christmas decorations. From here I made the journey to a rural forest to partake in the intangible cultural heritage protection project of ginseng picking. A master guided me into the forest in search of the root plant and showed me the correct way to unearth the roots. The practice can only be done during two months of the year and the rest is left for the ginseng to grow back. It can take many years for the ginseng to grow to a profitable size.

My expectations were blown up to the mountains in Jilin as the people here showed me all warmth and generosity, sharing their wonderful province with me. It is most definitely a place I’m itching to climb back into.

1. What’s the meaning of the underlined world “idyllic” in the second paragraph?

A．Crowded

B．Lonely

C．Peaceful

D．Wild

2. What does the author mean by saying “The forestry in Jilin is second to none” in paragraph 3?

A．You can’t miss the forestry.

B．The forestry ranks second.

C．Changchun Zoological and Botanical Gardens is the second largest park in Jilin.

D．He likes the Changchun Zoological and Botanical Gardens most.

3. What can we learn about the author?

A．He hasn’t been to other tourist attractions in China.

B．Jilin was a must place to visit for him.

C．He can pick ginseng at any time of a year.

D．He is a performing artist.

4. Where did this passage taken from?

A．A geography textbook.	B．A health care report
C．A travel magazine.	D．A science brochure

5 . Nova Scotia is a beautiful province located on the eastern coast. It is known for its winding coastal landscapes, attractive fishing villages, and rich maritime (海的) history. Take a look at what you can do while there.

Explore the Cabot Trail:

This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Nova Scotia’s rugged (有起伏的) coastline, winding through the Cape Breton Highlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, vast lookouts, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Exploring the Cabot Trail allows travelers to lose themselves in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia while experiencing its rich cultural heritage.

Visit Peggy’s Cove:

Peggy’s Cove is a quiet fishing village known for its typical lighthouse standing on rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can wander through the village, admire the picture-like scenery, and take photographs of the coastline. The quietness and beauty of Peggy’s Cove make it a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia.

Discover Halifax’s Waterfront:

Halifax’s lively waterfront is a center of activity, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. From taking a walk along the boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants to exploring historic sites like the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The waterfront also serves as a starting point for boat tours, allowing travelers to explore the harbor.

1. What makes Peggy’s Cove a must-visit destination?

A．Its cuisine.

B．Its scenery.

C．Its culture.

D．Its people.

2. What can you do on Halifax’s waterfront?

A．Jog along its coastline.	B．Explore its mountains.
C．Take boat tours.	D．Spot wildlife.

3. Where can you find this passage?

A．In a travel magazine.	B．In an adventure journal.
C．In a geography textbook.	D．In a science report.

6 . Born with a disability in her right leg, Mei faced numerous challenges in her daily life. Regardless, Mei refused to let her disability define her.

From a young age, Mei harbored a deep passion for painting. With the support of her loving family, she transformed her wheelchair into a mobile easel (画架), allowing her to create art wherever she went. Every stroke (笔画) of her brush was like a witness to her growth.

As Mei grew older, her talent attracted the attention of the local community. Encouraged by their support, she decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional artist. However, Mei soon encountered doubt from others, even her childhood best friends, who questioned her ability to succeed in the art world.

Instead of backing up, Mei pressed on, expressing her frustration (沮丧) into her artwork. Her paintings were beautiful, reflecting the beauty she saw in the world around her. Through her art, Mei found a sense of purpose, proving to herself and others that disabilities could not put out the fire of creativity.

Eventually, Mei received an invitation to showcase her artwork at Guggenheim Museum in New York. Wild with joy, she was unsure if she was ready to face the judgement of the art world. With the support of her family and friends, Mei decided to seize the opportunity.

The show was a great success. Through Mei’s journey, she was able to reach thousands of other people with disabilities who would benefit from her experience. That’s why she is still pressing on and fighting—not because she’s broken, but because she not only has an opportunity to fully achieve her potentials as a disabled person but also the will to inspire everyone else around her.

1. What did Mei face when she decided to become an artist?

A．Apologies from her best friends.	B．Distrust in her ability to succeed.
C．Attention to her painting techniques.	D．Congratulations on her instant success.

2. How did Mei feel when she got invited by the Guggenheim Museum?

A．Saddened.

B．Astonished.

C．Uncertain.

D．Embarrassed.

3. Now that her show was a success, Mei pressed on because of her ______.

A．pursuit to be a professional	B．willingness to inspire others
C．power to transform disabilities	D．aim to make her experience known

4. What would be the best title of the passage?

A．A Challenging Life: Mei’s Story of Determination.

B．From Failure to Victory: Mei’s Valuable Life Lesson.

C．Rejecting Limits: Mei’s Story and Her Artistic Success.

D．Journey of Inspiration: Mei’s Determination to Help Others.

7 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. How long did the two men spend at sea?

A．One week.

B．About 20 days.

C．About one month.

2. What was the two men’s attitude toward their adventure?

A．Positive.

B．Ambiguous.

C．Negative.

3. What did the two men eat to survive?

A．Fish.

B．Seabirds.

C．Oranges.

4. Who saved the two men?

A．A fisherman

B．The local government.

C．A search and rescue team.

8 . ____________ (ambition) to excel in academics, he eagerly handles every challenge, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. (所给词的适当形式填空)

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What time does the man usually go to bed?

A．At about 11:00 p.m.

B．At midnight.

C．At about 1:00 a.m.

2. Why does the man lose sleep?

A．For looking after children.

B．For worrying about exams.

C．For being jobless.

3. What does the woman suggest the man do?

A．Do some reading.

B．Watch less television.

C．Listen to relaxing music.

4. What are the speakers talking about?

A．Being out of a job.

B．The sleeping problem.

C．Doing something relaxing.

10 . On the warm and occasionally rainy island of Phuket, I found the best way to __________ Thailand’s treasures was by motorbike. (根据句意填空)